CPI for agricultural and rural labourers rises in May

Consumer price inflation for agricultural and rural labourers in the country, based on the all-India consumer price index number for agricultural and rural labourers - CPI-AL and  CPI-RL - increased  to 12.70 per cent and 12.50 per cent, respectively, in May 2013 from 12.32 per cent and 12.15 per cent in April 2013.

Inflation based on food index for CPI-AL and CPI-RL stood at 13.37 per cent and 13.14 per cent, respectively, during May 2013.

The all-India consumer price index numbers for agricultural and rural labourers (Base: 1986-87=100) increased by 8 points and 9 points, respectively, to 719 points and  720 points for May 2013. 

The rise / fall in index varied from state to state. In the case of agricultural labourers, the index recorded an increase varying between 3 and 19 points in 19 states and a decrease of 11 points in one state.

Karnataka with 792 points topped the index table whereas Himachal Pradesh with the index level of 560 points stood at the bottom.

In the case of rural labourers, the index recorded an increase between 2 and 20 points in 19 states and a decrease of 10 points in one state.

Karnataka with 789 points topped the index table whereas Himachal Pradesh and Tripura with the index level of 592 points each stood at the bottom.

West Bengal recorded the maximum increase of 19 and 20 points, respectively for agricultural and rural labourers mainly due to increase in the prices of rice, wheat, meat goat, fish fresh, ginger, vegetables and fruits, gur, bidi, firewood, shirting cloth cotton (mill) and plastic shoes.

On the other hand, Bihar  registered a decline of 11 points and 10 points, respectively, for  CPI-AL and CPI-RL due to decrease in the  prices of rice,  wheat/wheat atta, maize, onion and  vegetable and fruits.